About Trident Society

The nation’s largest independent cremation company, the Trident Society, Inc. is privately owned by the BG Capital Group, a leading merchant banking firm. Since 1997, the Trident Society has provided consumers with a simple, economical and dignified alternative to the traditional costly funeral. Today the Company has more than 10 locations in California -- including cremation facilities, sales offices, and holding facilities – and continues to expand services throughout the United States.

Trident Society’s corporate headquarters are located in Plantation, Florida.

For more information please visit us at www.tridentsociety.com or call us at: 1-888-9TRIDENT.

The information in this book is brought to you by Trident Society. It was designed to provide you with answers to your questions regarding direct cremation, and the advantages of making your final arrangements in advance.

Whether you’re thinking about yourself, your loved ones, or helping another, we hope you find this information helpful.

ContentsWhat exactly is direct cremation? ........................................ 2

Why do people choose direct cremation? ............................. 2

Are there some rules? .................................. ......................... 3

Why think about final arrangement planning now? ........... 3

Won’t my will express my wishes? ......................................... 4

What happens when a death occurs? ................................... 5

How should I select a service provider? ............. ....... ........... 8

What is advance planning? ............................. ..................... 9

What will my children think? .......................................... .... 9

Planning beyond direct cremation ....................................... 10

Can I involve others in this planning? ............................ .... 12

What about costs? .............................................................. .. 13

How about prepayment? .................................................. .... 13

How can I be sure those funds will be safe? ........................ 14

Can I count on government benefits? ............................. .... 15

What if I move or change my mind? .............................. ..... 16

1

What if I move or change my mind?When you pose this question to a service provider, be very clear about the answer. Ask, “If I decide later to have another service provider carry out my plans, will I be entitled to a full refund? Is there any place in the United States where my plan will not be fully honored?”

Years, even decades, may pass between prearrangement and the actual need for services, so we cannot always be sure of exactly where we’ll be living or who we’ll want to deal with when the time comes. That’s why we strongly advise people to select a pre-paid plan that is “portable” – transferable to any agreeable service provider should you elect to change plans at a later date.

16

What exactly is direct cremation? Narrowly defined, direct cremation is the process of transporting the deceased from the place of death, (home, hospital, hospice or nursing home) directly to the crematory, where the cremation is performed as soon as the regulations allow (i.e. obtaining the death certificate, waiting the required number of days, etc)

Why do people choose direct cremation?People chose direct cremation for a number of reasons including:

Simplicity - direct cremation is direct and simple. However, it allows for flexibility in arranging gatherings to mourn or celebrate the lives of those who have passed away and choose ways to arrange for a personal memorializaion.

Economics – it is much less expensive than a traditional burial.

Religious and ethnic customs - religious restrictions are being relaxed or eliminated, thus allowing more people to choose cremation. For example, the formal ban on cremation by the Catholic Church was lifted in 1963.

Environmental Concerns - there are several ecological or ‘green’ benefits of cremation itself, including not using chemicals for embalming and eliminating the need for perpetual maintenance of the grounds at a cemetery.

2 15

Can I count on government benefits? Many people are surprised at how limited these benefits are. Social Security, for example, may award benefits to survivors of deceased workers who were covered and fit certain guidelines. People who are on or expect to apply for Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may pre-finance a funeral without affecting their eligibility. Military veterans’ benefits may include flags, grave markers, military rites and a plot in a national cemetery; but eligibility depends on length of active service and the type of separation or discharge. Also, Social Security and veterans’ benefits do not magically appear – someone has to complete the forms and submit them for benefits which may not be paid for several months.

You can get details from experts in each of these agencies – Social Security Administration, State SSI/Medicaid Department, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Service providers are happy to provide the most direct contacts for those who need information as part of preplanning, and will make the necessary calls and help with documentation as part of their funeral services.

Cremation has been a growing choice for Americans and is

currently the choice of approximately

35% of the nation.

314

Are there some rules?There definitely are rules. While laws vary from state to state, there are some regulations concerning preparation, transportation and disposition of remains. Service providers help in obtaining death certificates and any required permits for burial or cremation. That is why it is important for families or trusted advisors to have immediate access to important paperwork such as military service records, Social Security number, and proof of entitlement to union benefits.

Since state regulations govern what is required, much of what is purchased is not optional. This may cause some confusion, as cremation companies may either sell their services ‘a la carte or as a package. Often times, a package price is less than the sum of the

‘a la carte options. Be careful when comparing advertised prices, as often times only the price for cremation itself is advertised. The cost can grow tremendously with all of the additional state requirements.

Why think about final arrangement planning now?Almost all final arrangement decisions can be made in advance. While you cannot predict life’s certain outcome, planning in advance certainly allows you to prepare for it, giving you peace of mind knowing that your loved ones won’t have to worry about making difficult arrangement decisions at a time of great personal loss.

It is wise to do two things: first, develop as clear a picture as possible of your personal financial situation now and for the next several years; and second, raise the question with the service provider whether a payment plan can be set up. When the circumstances are appropriate, paying in full will often cost less in total than paying over time.

There are several ways to pre-pay. Those who can afford it may make a single, full lump-sum investment. Many people assume that by simply saving or investing on their own, they can cover the costs when the time comes – but that doesn’t always work out as such.

Lengthy illnesses or nursing home expenses can wipe out savings. Also, such funds are often subject to taxes and

early withdrawal penalties, and they may be tied up in probate.

Also, a pre-paid plan may qualify as an exempt asset if you have to apply for public medical assistance.

How can I be sure those funds will be safe?This is perhaps the most important question you should ask. Although laws vary from state to state, when you deal with a reputable, licensed professional service provider, you may be sure that whatever you’ve invested in will be there when it’s needed.

4 13

Unfortunately, many deaths are not anticipated. Stroke or heart attack, a traffic accident– these are just a few of the causes that can take an apparently healthy person of any age at any time.

It’s when we are healthy that we can do our most objective thinking about the future. Some of that thinking might also include an advance directive, or “living will,” to guide doctors, hospital staff and family in making medical decisions if a person becomes incapacitated.

If you believe that having a choice is important, there’s no better time than now to decide on preferences.

Most of us have known, or have heard of a person who, knowing that death was near, regretted not doing or finishing various things. Preplanning not only allows us to have a say in how we’d like to be remembered, but also wraps up a major event before it becomes “unfinished business” which bereaved loved ones must handle.

Won’t my will express my wishes? In many instances a will is not read until the deceased’s arrangements have taken place. Relying on a will to express final arrangements after passing will certainly increase the likelihood that what is stated in your will and what actually happens may not be the same.

Too many participants may lead to time-consuming debate . . . but bringing one or two others to this conference can resolve many questions that may arise from two issues we’ve already discussed: first, the plan should reflect what the deceased person wanted; and second, the plan should offer surviving friends and loved ones as much social and spiritual support and healing as possible.

What about costs?As we noted earlier, providers offer individual item/service pricing and package pricing. The service provider will be happy to provide general price lists for services and merchandise.

Over time prices will increase. That concern can be eliminated by prepaying.

How about prepayment?

A wise choice. When prearrangement is fully prepaid, survivors won’t have to face major bills – and more of the estate will be available for people or favorite causes. Survivors may not be capable of making rational financial decisions when they’re coping with the highly-charged emotions of loss and grief.

Survivors, when they know the tough decisions

have already been made, more easily find solace in the support of others

who gather to acknowledge their

loss and celebrate a loved one’s life.

512

What Happens When a Death Occurs?These steps may vary between states, but the basic process is the same. If a plan has been pre-arranged, most likely the deceased will have a card in their wallet with the name and phone number of the direct cremation service provider. Alternatively, they may have provided their closest family member or friends with the information. If there is no prearranged plan, you may want to obtain referrals from other family members, your doctor, a member of the clergy, or a lawyer. If those are not available, the phone book and internet are good sources of information.

While each provider may have differences in their process, here is the basic process used by the Trident Society to carry out your or your loved one’s wishes:

A call to the Trident Society is all that is needed to start the complete process. We dispatch professionally trained personnel to transport the deceased from the place of death to a licensed climate controlled holding facility for care and storage. Careful steps are taken to safeguard the privacy and dignity of the family. Families are contacted as quickly as possible after a death, and information is gathered to initiate and coordinate services.

Other items to consider include a register book, prayer cards and thank you notes for visitors and attendees of the service. All are available in a wide range of prices.

Notices: information for an obituary notice is best gathered in advance. In the emotional hours immediately after death, it is all too easy to overlook a vital detail or make a mistake on an important fact. And once an obituary is published, it’s usually too late to fix the hurt or sadness that an inadvertent error may cause!

Family and friends will also want to know whether flowers are appropriate, or if the deceased would have preferred memorial gifts to a favorite cause, organization, church or charity, or to a child’s or grandchild’s education fund.

Can I involve others in this planning?The answer is more than “yes.” It’s “please do!” Ultimately, it will be the immediate next of kin who will be responsible for carrying out the person’s wishes.

In fact, many service providers strongly urge a person to bring

his or her spouse, children, siblings, or a trusted friend along to discuss

prearrangements.

6 11

Who? Consider guests (including family, friends, business associates, and co-workers). Once the list is completed, considerations should be given to whether products or services need to be purchased or rented.

Format? People are often surprised to learn that some religions have a prescribed format, while others are extremely flexible. For a nonreligious funeral, one must truly “write the book.” In virtually all cases, personalized touches will include favorite music and readings. In fact, this is an aspect of funerals where personalization can be as important as the services. Should one request the most elaborate, top-of-the line merchandise? Should austere simplicity be the guide? Most arrangements fall somewhere in between.

Cremation allows for flexibility with regard to memorialization. Options include being part of an ocean reef, the cremated remains can be made into a piece of jewelry, sent to space in a rocket, incorporated by fireworks, become part of an oil painting, etc. As cremation continues to gain in popularity, more opportunities will become available.

And if you haven’t already done so, this part of preplanning is also a good time to consider organ donation, estate planning and a living will.

Forms, certificates and authorizations must be completed according to applicable laws before a cremation can take place. In most cases, if a death has occurred without a plan in place, we can complete all necessary paperwork via phone and email. In

certain circumstances, it may be necessary to meet with Trident Society professionals at the local office, or at your home, to complete arrangements and to obtain specific information about your wishes.

All of the above cremation arrangements can be greatly simplified if advanced planning is done

before the time of death. A death certificate is required by law, and is completed byTrident Society with the necessary information provided by the family. This certificate will be delivered to the physician and medical examiner for the listing of the official cause of death and the required legal signatures. Service providers have no control over the length of time necessary for these signatures to be obtained. Autopsies and medical records may delay signatures by physicians and medical examiners. Permits for cremation cannot be obtained until the medical authorities provide these signatures.

Since there is no standard cremation arrangement, you should go through

the planning process to ensure your service and memorialization choices provide comfort and

meaning that feel right for you and to

your loved ones.

710

Once the necessary authorizations and documents have been properly signed and have been filed with the local health department, the cremation usually takes place within 3 to 10 business days. Timing depends on whether or not the death certificate is coming from the doctor, the medical examiner or the VA Hospital. It may take longer than 10 days in Florida since doctors have 10 days to sign the death certificate and the medical examiner has 48 hours to approve it.

Sometimes we encounter circumstances beyond our control. This happens when local, state or federal agencies, police, county coroner, or medical examiners become involved and investigate the circumstances surrounding a death.

When a death has taken place away from home, cremation arrangements are much the same. It is important to know whether the deceased has travel protection as part of their plan.

The cremated remains can be scattered in the ocean, returned to the family or delivered to a specified cemetery. There are a number of options that you may consider.

Teens and adult children are able to understand and appreciate your desire to give them peace of mind by helping to relieve future financial and emotional burdens. In all cases, prearranging can be a good opportunity to teach responsible planning for the future, as well as to demonstrate loving concern for the childrens’ needs at a stressful time that may be decades away.

Planning beyond direct cremationIn addition to the cremation, you may also want to plan some type of farewell event. Here are a few things to consider.

Services and Gatherings:Where? Possibilities include a house of worship, restaurant or a family home (having funerals at home was fairly common generations ago, and even now is certainly not unheard of).

When? Unless a religious doctrine dictates the timing, considerations may include scheduling at the facility of your choice, and allowance for travel time for loved ones who live far away. For a visitation or wake, you may want to establish calling hours.

The most important thing

is to create a meaningful and

satisfying farewell to you and to

others who will participate, and to also establish

a permanent memorialization

that best suits your needs and your

loved one's wishes.

How should I select a Service Provider?Selecting the right service provider is very important. You may know one who has served you or your family well in the past. If you do not have that previous personal experience, or are new in a community, the reliable factor is usually a service provider’s reputation. Ask a neighbor, coworker or friend in the community for a reference. Ask about sensitivity to personal needs, attention to detail, and ability to provide the quality of services you expect.

Talking with a service provider will usually give you a good sense of whether the facility and staff are right for your

family’s needs, style and values.

Feel free to discuss costs and how they handle billings. All good service providers know how to focus on essentials that both comfort the living and honor the deceased.

The service providers are ready to start the process on a moment’s notice. However, as with most people involved in major aspects of life, they are better able to satisfy a family if there is advance planning. When one waits until a nurse or doctor asks, “Who do you want us to call?” if no advanced planning has taken place, surviving family members may need to spend the next several days making final arrangements while they try to cope with their loss.

What is ‘advance planning’?This process, also known as “prearrangement” or “pre-need”, is straightforward. Advance planning is putting final arrangements in place before death occurs.

What will my children think? Whether you are planning for yourself, or your parents, we understand that this can be a very real concern, especially when younger children overhear adult discussions and see final arrangement planning materials. They fear that a (grand)parent may be terminally ill or likely to die soon. While each family situation is different, we suggest a calm, honest and reassuring discussion in terms that the children can understand.

98

How should I select a Service Provider?Selecting the right service provider is very important. You may know one who has served you or your family well in the past. If you do not have that previous personal experience, or are new in a community, the reliable factor is usually a service provider’s reputation. Ask a neighbor, coworker or friend in the community for a reference. Ask about sensitivity to personal needs, attention to detail, and ability to provide the quality of services you expect.

Talking with a service provider will usually give you a good sense of whether the facility and staff are right for your

family’s needs, style and values.

Feel free to discuss costs and how they handle billings. All good service providers know how to focus on essentials that both comfort the living and honor the deceased.

The service providers are ready to start the process on a moment’s notice. However, as with most people involved in major aspects of life, they are better able to satisfy a family if there is advance planning. When one waits until a nurse or doctor asks, “Who do you want us to call?” if no advanced planning has taken place, surviving family members may need to spend the next several days making final arrangements while they try to cope with their loss.

What is ‘advance planning’?This process, also known as “prearrangement” or “pre-need”, is straightforward. Advance planning is putting final arrangements in place before death occurs.

What will my children think? Whether you are planning for yourself, or your parents, we understand that this can be a very real concern, especially when younger children overhear adult discussions and see final arrangement planning materials. They fear that a (grand)parent may be terminally ill or likely to die soon. While each family situation is different, we suggest a calm, honest and reassuring discussion in terms that the children can understand.

98

710

Once the necessary authorizations and documents have been properly signed and have been filed with the local health department, the cremation usually takes place within 3 to 10 business days. Timing depends on whether or not the death certificate is coming from the doctor, the medical examiner or the VA Hospital. It may take longer than 10 days in Florida since doctors have 10 days to sign the death certificate and the medical examiner has 48 hours to approve it.

Sometimes we encounter circumstances beyond our control. This happens when local, state or federal agencies, police, county coroner, or medical examiners become involved and investigate the circumstances surrounding a death.

When a death has taken place away from home, cremation arrangements are much the same. It is important to know whether the deceased has travel protection as part of their plan.

The cremated remains can be scattered in the ocean, returned to the family or delivered to a specified cemetery. There are a number of options that you may consider.

Teens and adult children are able to understand and appreciate your desire to give them peace of mind by helping to relieve future financial and emotional burdens. In all cases, prearranging can be a good opportunity to teach responsible planning for the future, as well as to demonstrate loving concern for the childrens’ needs at a stressful time that may be decades away.

Planning beyond direct cremationIn addition to the cremation, you may also want to plan some type of farewell event. Here are a few things to consider.

Services and Gatherings:Where? Possibilities include a house of worship, restaurant or a family home (having funerals at home was fairly common generations ago, and even now is certainly not unheard of).

When? Unless a religious doctrine dictates the timing, considerations may include scheduling at the facility of your choice, and allowance for travel time for loved ones who live far away. For a visitation or wake, you may want to establish calling hours.

The most important thing

is to create a meaningful and

satisfying farewell to you and to

others who will participate, and to also establish

a permanent memorialization

that best suits your needs and your

loved one's wishes.

6 11

Who? Consider guests (including family, friends, business associates, and co-workers). Once the list is completed, considerations should be given to whether products or services need to be purchased or rented.

Format? People are often surprised to learn that some religions have a prescribed format, while others are extremely flexible. For a nonreligious funeral, one must truly “write the book.” In virtually all cases, personalized touches will include favorite music and readings. In fact, this is an aspect of funerals where personalization can be as important as the services. Should one request the most elaborate, top-of-the line merchandise? Should austere simplicity be the guide? Most arrangements fall somewhere in between.

Cremation allows for flexibility with regard to memorialization. Options include being part of an ocean reef, the cremated remains can be made into a piece of jewelry, sent to space in a rocket, incorporated by fireworks, become part of an oil painting, etc. As cremation continues to gain in popularity, more opportunities will become available.

And if you haven’t already done so, this part of preplanning is also a good time to consider organ donation, estate planning and a living will.

Forms, certificates and authorizations must be completed according to applicable laws before a cremation can take place. In most cases, if a death has occurred without a plan in place, we can complete all necessary paperwork via phone and email. In

certain circumstances, it may be necessary to meet with Trident Society professionals at the local office, or at your home, to complete arrangements and to obtain specific information about your wishes.

All of the above cremation arrangements can be greatly simplified if advanced planning is done

before the time of death. A death certificate is required by law, and is completed byTrident Society with the necessary information provided by the family. This certificate will be delivered to the physician and medical examiner for the listing of the official cause of death and the required legal signatures. Service providers have no control over the length of time necessary for these signatures to be obtained. Autopsies and medical records may delay signatures by physicians and medical examiners. Permits for cremation cannot be obtained until the medical authorities provide these signatures.

Since there is no standard cremation arrangement, you should go through

the planning process to ensure your service and memorialization choices provide comfort and

meaning that feel right for you and to

your loved ones.

512

What Happens When a Death Occurs?These steps may vary between states, but the basic process is the same. If a plan has been pre-arranged, most likely the deceased will have a card in their wallet with the name and phone number of the direct cremation service provider. Alternatively, they may have provided their closest family member or friends with the information. If there is no prearranged plan, you may want to obtain referrals from other family members, your doctor, a member of the clergy, or a lawyer. If those are not available, the phone book and internet are good sources of information.

While each provider may have differences in their process, here is the basic process used by the Trident Society to carry out your or your loved one’s wishes:

A call to the Trident Society is all that is needed to start the complete process. We dispatch professionally trained personnel to transport the deceased from the place of death to a licensed climate controlled holding facility for care and storage. Careful steps are taken to safeguard the privacy and dignity of the family. Families are contacted as quickly as possible after a death, and information is gathered to initiate and coordinate services.

Other items to consider include a register book, prayer cards and thank you notes for visitors and attendees of the service. All are available in a wide range of prices.

Notices: information for an obituary notice is best gathered in advance. In the emotional hours immediately after death, it is all too easy to overlook a vital detail or make a mistake on an important fact. And once an obituary is published, it’s usually too late to fix the hurt or sadness that an inadvertent error may cause!

Family and friends will also want to know whether flowers are appropriate, or if the deceased would have preferred memorial gifts to a favorite cause, organization, church or charity, or to a child’s or grandchild’s education fund.

Can I involve others in this planning?The answer is more than “yes.” It’s “please do!” Ultimately, it will be the immediate next of kin who will be responsible for carrying out the person’s wishes.

In fact, many service providers strongly urge a person to bring

his or her spouse, children, siblings, or a trusted friend along to discuss

prearrangements.

4 13

Unfortunately, many deaths are not anticipated. Stroke or heart attack, a traffic accident– these are just a few of the causes that can take an apparently healthy person of any age at any time.

It’s when we are healthy that we can do our most objective thinking about the future. Some of that thinking might also include an advance directive, or “living will,” to guide doctors, hospital staff and family in making medical decisions if a person becomes incapacitated.

If you believe that having a choice is important, there’s no better time than now to decide on preferences.

Most of us have known, or have heard of a person who, knowing that death was near, regretted not doing or finishing various things. Preplanning not only allows us to have a say in how we’d like to be remembered, but also wraps up a major event before it becomes “unfinished business” which bereaved loved ones must handle.

Won’t my will express my wishes? In many instances a will is not read until the deceased’s arrangements have taken place. Relying on a will to express final arrangements after passing will certainly increase the likelihood that what is stated in your will and what actually happens may not be the same.

Too many participants may lead to time-consuming debate . . . but bringing one or two others to this conference can resolve many questions that may arise from two issues we’ve already discussed: first, the plan should reflect what the deceased person wanted; and second, the plan should offer surviving friends and loved ones as much social and spiritual support and healing as possible.

What about costs?As we noted earlier, providers offer individual item/service pricing and package pricing. The service provider will be happy to provide general price lists for services and merchandise.

Over time prices will increase. That concern can be eliminated by prepaying.

How about prepayment?

A wise choice. When prearrangement is fully prepaid, survivors won’t have to face major bills – and more of the estate will be available for people or favorite causes. Survivors may not be capable of making rational financial decisions when they’re coping with the highly-charged emotions of loss and grief.

Survivors, when they know the tough decisions

have already been made, more easily find solace in the support of others

who gather to acknowledge their

loss and celebrate a loved one’s life.

314

Are there some rules?There definitely are rules. While laws vary from state to state, there are some regulations concerning preparation, transportation and disposition of remains. Service providers help in obtaining death certificates and any required permits for burial or cremation. That is why it is important for families or trusted advisors to have immediate access to important paperwork such as military service records, Social Security number, and proof of entitlement to union benefits.

Since state regulations govern what is required, much of what is purchased is not optional. This may cause some confusion, as cremation companies may either sell their services ‘a la carte or as a package. Often times, a package price is less than the sum of the

‘a la carte options. Be careful when comparing advertised prices, as often times only the price for cremation itself is advertised. The cost can grow tremendously with all of the additional state requirements.

Why think about final arrangement planning now?Almost all final arrangement decisions can be made in advance. While you cannot predict life’s certain outcome, planning in advance certainly allows you to prepare for it, giving you peace of mind knowing that your loved ones won’t have to worry about making difficult arrangement decisions at a time of great personal loss.

It is wise to do two things: first, develop as clear a picture as possible of your personal financial situation now and for the next several years; and second, raise the question with the service provider whether a payment plan can be set up. When the circumstances are appropriate, paying in full will often cost less in total than paying over time.

There are several ways to pre-pay. Those who can afford it may make a single, full lump-sum investment. Many people assume that by simply saving or investing on their own, they can cover the costs when the time comes – but that doesn’t always work out as such.

Lengthy illnesses or nursing home expenses can wipe out savings. Also, such funds are often subject to taxes and

early withdrawal penalties, and they may be tied up in probate.

Also, a pre-paid plan may qualify as an exempt asset if you have to apply for public medical assistance.

How can I be sure those funds will be safe?This is perhaps the most important question you should ask. Although laws vary from state to state, when you deal with a reputable, licensed professional service provider, you may be sure that whatever you’ve invested in will be there when it’s needed.

What exactly is direct cremation? Narrowly defined, direct cremation is the process of transporting the deceased from the place of death, (home, hospital, hospice or nursing home) directly to the crematory, where the cremation is performed as soon as the regulations allow (i.e. obtaining the death certificate, waiting the required number of days, etc)

Why do people choose direct cremation?People chose direct cremation for a number of reasons including:

Simplicity - direct cremation is direct and simple. However, it allows for flexibility in arranging gatherings to mourn or celebrate the lives of those who have passed away and choose ways to arrange for a personal memorializaion.

Economics – it is much less expensive than a traditional burial.

Religious and ethnic customs - religious restrictions are being relaxed or eliminated, thus allowing more people to choose cremation. For example, the formal ban on cremation by the Catholic Church was lifted in 1963.

Environmental Concerns - there are several ecological or ‘green’ benefits of cremation itself, including not using chemicals for embalming and eliminating the need for perpetual maintenance of the grounds at a cemetery.

2 15

Can I count on government benefits? Many people are surprised at how limited these benefits are. Social Security, for example, may award benefits to survivors of deceased workers who were covered and fit certain guidelines. People who are on or expect to apply for Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may pre-finance a funeral without affecting their eligibility. Military veterans’ benefits may include flags, grave markers, military rites and a plot in a national cemetery; but eligibility depends on length of active service and the type of separation or discharge. Also, Social Security and veterans’ benefits do not magically appear – someone has to complete the forms and submit them for benefits which may not be paid for several months.

You can get details from experts in each of these agencies – Social Security Administration, State SSI/Medicaid Department, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Service providers are happy to provide the most direct contacts for those who need information as part of preplanning, and will make the necessary calls and help with documentation as part of their funeral services.

Cremation has been a growing choice for Americans and is

currently the choice of approximately

35% of the nation.

The information in this book is brought to you by Trident Society. It was designed to provide you with answers to your questions regarding direct cremation, and the advantages of making your final arrangements in advance.

Whether you’re thinking about yourself, your loved ones, or helping another, we hope you find this information helpful.

ContentsWhat exactly is direct cremation? ........................................ 2

Why do people choose direct cremation? ............................. 2

Are there some rules? .................................. ......................... 3

Why think about final arrangement planning now? ........... 3

Won’t my will express my wishes? ......................................... 4

What happens when a death occurs? ................................... 5

How should I select a service provider? ............. ....... ........... 8

What is advance planning? ............................. ..................... 9

What will my children think? .......................................... .... 9

Planning beyond direct cremation ....................................... 10

Can I involve others in this planning? ............................ .... 12

What about costs? .............................................................. .. 13

How about prepayment? .................................................. .... 13

How can I be sure those funds will be safe? ........................ 14

Can I count on government benefits? ............................. .... 15

What if I move or change my mind? .............................. ..... 16

1

What if I move or change my mind?When you pose this question to a service provider, be very clear about the answer. Ask, “If I decide later to have another service provider carry out my plans, will I be entitled to a full refund? Is there any place in the United States where my plan will not be fully honored?”

Years, even decades, may pass between prearrangement and the actual need for services, so we cannot always be sure of exactly where we’ll be living or who we’ll want to deal with when the time comes. That’s why we strongly advise people to select a pre-paid plan that is “portable” – transferable to any agreeable service provider should you elect to change plans at a later date.

16